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WCJB: Federal judge hears challenge to Florida’s Interests of Foreign Countries law
By Cody Butler/Gray Florida Capitol Bureau
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCJB/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) - Tuesday, a federal judge heard arguments challenging Florida’s new law restricting some people from owning property.
Republicans said this law will help protect the United States from “countries of concern.”
Florida’s new law bans several countries and ranking people in their government from owning land within 10 miles of military bases and other critical infrastructure, such as airports. The law includes misdemeanor charges for Cuba, Venezuela, Syria, Iran and North Korea. The charge is a felony for China.
“I’m angry about the law. The law itself is discriminatory. It’s really aimed at keeping Asians out of the state of Florida,” Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund’s Legal Director Bethany Li said.
The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund is one of the groups suing the state in federal court.
Li said this law reminds her of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
“What will it mean for someone who looks vaguely Asian to step foot into a real estate agent’s office?” Li said.
She’s afraid this could violate the Constitution and the fair housing act.
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There are 20 states with similar laws, including six approved this year.
The judge is expected to issue a ruling on the challenge to Florida’s law another day.
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Read the article here: https://www.wcjb.com/2023/07/18/federal-judge-hears-challenge-floridas-interests-foreign-countries-law/